DuBois, Pennsylvania Mother Sarah Brubaker Charged After 4-Year-Old Daughter Dies in Neglect Case
A 4-year-old girl in DuBois, Pennsylvania, died in December 2025 after suffering a severe bacterial infection of the colon, according to authorities. Months later, her mother, 36-year-old Sarah Elizabeth Brubaker, was charged with third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment. Investigators allege the child had gone without food for about two weeks before her death.
Published by Global Report Center
Authorities in DuBois, Pennsylvania, have charged Sarah Elizabeth Brubaker in connection with the December 2025 death of her 4-year-old daughter.
Brubaker, 36, was arraigned on September 23, 2026, after a months-long investigation into the child’s death. She faces charges including third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person. She is being held in the Clearfield County Jail on $1 million bail.
According to the criminal complaint, the child was taken to Penn Highlands DuBois after Brubaker and the child’s father reportedly found her unresponsive early on December 20, 2025. Medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but the girl was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Investigators allege Brubaker told police the child had not eaten for at least two weeks before her death. She reportedly told authorities the girl had been suffering from diarrhea, weakness and difficulty maintaining her balance.
An autopsy later determined the child died from pseudomembranous colitis, a severe bacterial infection involving the colon. The medical examiner reportedly classified the death as a homicide caused by neglect.
Police also investigated the conditions inside the family’s home. According to court documents cited by local media, the residence was extremely cold, with temperatures reported around 34 degrees and ice forming on the inside of windows. Investigators also reported finding little or no food in the home’s refrigerators.
Brubaker reportedly told investigators the family had been experiencing financial difficulties after both parents left their jobs. Authorities said she acknowledged knowing about available food and medical assistance but did not seek the assistance.
The case has drawn attention across DuBois and Clearfield County because of the circumstances surrounding the child’s death and the subsequent criminal charges. The allegations against Brubaker remain allegations, and the charges have not been proven in court.
Separate reporting has also stated that Chad Brubaker, identified in some reports as the child’s father, has since died. One local report said the Clearfield County coroner determined dehydration was his cause of death. Details surrounding his death remain limited in the available reporting.
Brubaker’s case is expected to continue through the Clearfield County court system. A preliminary hearing has been reported as scheduled for September 30, 2026.
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